Brasserie Beck

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Reviews by thekanna:

This place reminds me more of great beer bars in Brussels and the rest of Belgium than anywhere else I've ever seen in the States.

This place has a lively European beer bar atmosphere where many people are crowded around the bar just taking in the conversation and enjoying good beer. The place has a whole historic high-class pub feel to it, as if you'd almost expect to walk outside and see an art deco street in 1930's New York. The couple of LCDs around the restaurant showing sports games almost detracts from the atmosphere.

The beer selection was quite amazing; their menu informed me that they're the only ones to sell Gentse Tripel and Bacchus on tap in the entire United States. Bottled selection was quite varied-- almost all of them Belgian-- and certainly all of them very good selections. Even my friend who doesn't like beer was impressed at the descriptions of the beer varieties in the menu. He ended up ordering a St. Bernardus Abt. 12, which he enjoyed very much and said matched the description very well, almost comparing it to a fine wine.

Our server was a bit rushed and tended to forget things, and it seemed like he was overwhelmed with too many customers. However, he was friendly made great recommendations to our table and the table beside us, and really knew his beers. Also, the food was absolutely excellent: I've never gotten Belgian food this good outside of Belgium. The food was fairly overpriced, but where else can you find great Flaamse Stoverij, roasted rabbit loin, or crispy skate wing in DC?

P.S. Please be sure to check out the wallpaper on the men's bathroom if you're here. Let's just say, it's practically vaudevillian, and in a design pattern that you'd never expect (except maybe in a 1910's burlesque show).

More User Reviews:

Went on a slow Sunday night. Only 12 Belgian drafts is a bit limiting and about half of them Belgian standards. Still no issue finding something to drink. High ceilings and beautiful interior. Extremely warm service. Excellent food. Had the steak tartar which was top notch and the Croque Madame that was herbed wonderfully.

I'm not sure why this establishment has such stellar reviews. I can appreciate a small and carefully crafted tap list, but this place falls flat. If one of the handful of beers they have on draft looks enticing, you might have a hard time getting a bartender to notice you, even if the place is empty. That's ok, you can take in the ambiance of the place while you wait; the old mirrors and clocks are beautiful. However, watch your butt. Literally. The seats are made from a pretty, weaved blue and white plastic that (on several stools) were coming undone and poking patrons in the rear or snagging their clothes. I'll walk a couple blocks to Maddy's the next time I'm in the area and save my behind AND my wallet.

While you'll pay a lot, the quality of what you get served can't be beat if you're looking for good Belgian beers. Their Happy Hour specials sometimes contain some real gems, but if you're looking for the best variety, look in their book of beers. The bartenders are generous in letting you sample what's on tap and very knowledgeable about all the options. Take advantage and describe what you like and you're sure to be provided a great beer in the right glass-ware.

9/1/17 - Visited many times since this original review. Sit at the bar for the best service. They have a certified cicerone on staff, so ask for him if you need help. The mussels are great, try the red spicy thai version. Reduced the vibe from 4.75 to 4.5.
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Visited on a Thursday afternoon, after the lunch rush before dinner, the week before Christmas. Only spent time at the bar. A very polished clientle.

Food - I did not sample the food on this visit, but from past visits BB has a very tasty menu, albeit one that can fill you up quickly. What I might consider high quality, but typical brasserie food.

Beer - An excellent selection almost exclusively focused on Belgian beers, both on tap and by the bottle. I did find a Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout, which I ordered since I had never had one before.

The bartender, a young lady in her twentys was very knowledgable. She indicated that she was studying to be a cicerone. It was a pleasure talking beer and an opportunity to learn which I did not pass up. If only all my bartenders were this friendly and knowledgable.

Thursday afternoon also happen to be that time when one of the distributors made his visit to show his new wears. Staff kindly invited me to sit in as the distributor showed off about eight new beers. I was asked my opinion and I gave it. What a wonderful treat!

Very pleased with the BB. It is a regular stop for me when I need a good beer.

I've been here about a dozen times in the past two years and ALWAYS make a visit here on a trip to DC.

This looks and feels like an upscale Brussels brasserie. The food is great, and it is always entertaining to watch the entire kitchen prepare the food in the open. There is a large bar area, with usually about 10 draft beers. They alternate between commercial (Palm) and artisinal (Alvinne), I go for the latter. They have a daily happy hour from 5-7 with half-price beers. Not to be missed.

Great mussels in a bunch of different varieties and superb twice-cooked frites. Good choices of fresh oysters in season, with the seafood chef working right at the bar in full view. Entrees are delicious. I used to come for the rabbit cooked with kriek, but that has unfortunately dissapeared from the menu.

Draft beer choice is limited, but they always have some good beers that are available for happy hour. Some of the draft beers get pricy, such as St. Feuillien blond at $11--you can see how happy hour matters.

Extensive beer menu with bottles to satisfy many a beer connaisseur. Very pricy with a wine markup. A bomber of Stillwater Stateside saison will put you back $27. Lambic choices are rather pedestrian, with St. Louis, Giradin, and Oud Beersel being the only entries. C'mon, get some 3 Fonteinen and Cantillon in there.

Hey, this is DC. Therefore, the price is "reasonable". More importantly, the selection of Belgian beers is top-shelf and the food is good ... and, equally as important, the wait staff is knowledgable. Not much is worse than asking the server about a particular beer and he/she responds, "it's fizzy or I like fruity beers." You won't get that here. If you're a Belgian fan (or a beer fan), stop by, if you are in the area, and you won't be disappointed. Note: BB has an extensive and quality wine list as well.

Brasserie Beck's focus is on Belgian beer and they have an excellent selection. More importantly, the staff is knowledgeable about the beer list and able to guide you through it to offer suggestions regardless of your familiarity with Belgian beers. The bar is small and gets very crowded. The food is excellent (Beck is a nice restaurant with a great beer list rather than a beer bar with good food) and, because the bar is small and can get very crowded, for the best experience I'd recommend skipping the bar and reserving a table.